180 Degree Rule

The 180 Degree rule is the most important part when filming dialogue. It acts with the shot/reverse shot and helps the continuity of the shot. The 180 Degree rule means that when you shot one character and they are positioned on the left of the screen, your reverse shot needs to be the same. This means that the other character in the reverse shot needs to be on the left of the screen as well. This makes it seem as if the two characters are opposite each other rather than next to each other. While filming the 180 Degree Rule, you need to have an imaginary line on the floor in which you cannot cross, this is known as the axis of action. If you cross this, you brake the rule. This diagram should help understanding: